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FRENCH CARRIERS TO ACQUIRE SFR FOR €20.35B

INDUSTRY DESK1 MIN READ
TUE, JUL 21, 2026

■ AI-SUMMARIZED FROM 2 SOURCES ▸ TIMELINE

Bouygues Telecom, Orange, and Free-iliad have signed a memorandum of understanding to acquire SFR from Altice France for €20.35 billion including debt. The deal is expected to close in the second half of 2027.

The consortium of three major French telecommunications carriers will take over SFR, currently owned by billionaire Patrick Drahi's Altice France. The €20.35 billion valuation includes assumed debt. The acquisition represents significant consolidation in France's competitive telecom market. Regulatory approval will be required before the deal completes, likely in H2 2027. SFR is France's third-largest mobile operator. The sale follows years of speculation about Altice France's strategic direction and comes as the telecom sector faces mounting pressure to consolidate amid rising infrastructure costs and competition. The three acquiring carriers jointly operate substantial wireless and broadband networks across France. This transaction could reshape the country's telecom landscape and trigger regulatory scrutiny regarding market concentration.

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